We want our 2023 bid money back, demand angry Dundee MSPS

Representatives try to get decision on culture city reversed

Dundee’s MSPS have written to the Prime Minister demanding money spent on the Capital of Culture 2023 bid is reimbursed.

The European Commission made a “bombshell” announcement on Thursday banning UK cities from competing in the European Capital of Culture 2023 competition because of Brexit.

Now, the city’s Holyrood representatives have written to the Prime Minister Theresa May asking for money invested in the project to be returned to the city because of the “shambles” caused by the Tories’ Brexit.

Dundee East and West MSPS Shona

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It does not seem fair that the people of Dundee are being punished for a vote that they had no control over

Robison and Joe Fitzpatrick say in their joint statement: “We accept the vote was taken throughout the UK as a whole. However, it does not seem fair that the people of Dundee are being punished for a vote that they had no control over.

“Regrettably, if this decision is final and the bid is no longer viable then we ask that the UK Government does not punish the people of Dundee and refunds all monies incurred with the bid.”

A further letter, addressed to European Commission culture commissioner Tibor Navracsics, signed by the two MSPS, MPS Chris Law and Stewart Hosie, the council’s leader John Alexander and MEP Ian Hudghton said: “It is our understanding that non-eu cities have been named European Capital of Culture in the past – namely Bergen, Reykjavik, Stavanger and Istanbul.

“We would be very grateful if this decision could be reconsidered.”